QQQ vs SPTI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
SPTI has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $10.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.89% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 107 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -0.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +1.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +4.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | -0.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 3.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -16.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 23, 2007 |
QQQ vs SPTI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (SPTI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SPTI returned +1.75%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 0.40% for SPTI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +4.13% for SPTI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and -0.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +1.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.8% for SPTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -83.0% for QQQ and -16.3% for SPTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.00. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.89% for SPTI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPTI share 0 holdings out of 109 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SPTI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPTI charges 0.03%. SPTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPTI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +1.75% for SPTI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +1.08% for SPTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPTI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.8% for SPTI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPTI -16.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPTI?
QQQ and SPTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.00, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPTI?
QQQ and SPTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 109 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPTI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SPTI yields 3.89%, so SPTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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